Soaring Over Pokhara: My First Paragliding Experience
I never thought I’d voluntarily run off the side of a mountain. But there I was, strapped into a harness, heart pounding, wind picking up, my guide counting down: Three… two… one… run!
Suddenly, my feet weren’t on the ground.
Instead, we caught the air currents and began gliding effortlessly upward, soaring above the lush hills surrounding Pokhara. The infamous smog from recent fires blurred some of the views, but even still, the flight was stunning. I could see Phewa Lake shimmering below, the Annapurna range ghosting through the haze in the distance, and the entire lakeside town laid out like a map beneath my swinging feet.
Surprisingly, takeoff wasn’t nearly as terrifying as I imagined. The adrenaline hit lasted just a moment, and then it was pure calm—like floating in slow motion. Until… the nausea hit. Turns out, spinning and catching thermals can seriously mess with your stomach if you’re prone to motion sickness. Lesson learned: next time I’m taking meds in advance. But even with the queasiness, I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
Whitewater Rafting the Upper Seti River
Two days later, I traded air for water and joined a whitewater rafting trip on the Upper Seti River—one of the shorter, more intense half-day runs near Pokhara.
From the moment we pushed off into the cold water, it was non-stop fun. We hit class III and IV rapids, bouncing over waves, paddling hard, and laughing the whole way. It’s wild how fast the river moves here—and how fast you can go from calm paddling to absolute chaos when the rapids hit.
Our guide had us yelling “forward!” and “get down!” while we clung to the raft and shouted in delight. It was exhilarating, a little wet, and totally worth the chill afterward. If you’re looking for an adrenaline rush without committing to a full-day river trip, this one’s perfect.
Kayaking on Phewa Lake
Not every adventure in Pokhara has to be intense. On a more relaxed day, I rented a kayak and paddled out onto Phewa Lake, chasing the reflections of the clouds across the still water.
No plan. No guide. Just me, the paddle, and the occasional curious duck.
From the lake, Pokhara feels peaceful—colorful boats drifting by, hills sloping gently down to the water, and the famous Tal Barahi Temple on its island just a short paddle away. It’s one of the best ways to take in the scenery without a motor—and without any crowds.
Rest, Relaxation, and Chow Mein
Of course, in between all the high-adrenaline activities, there was plenty of time for recovery.
Pokhara is known for being a backpacker haven, and with good reason. One day I booked a massage, manicure, and pedicure all in one go—total bliss. Another afternoon was spent with yet another bubble tea in hand, watching the lake shore.
And yes, I continued my chicken chow mein obsession. Seriously, the Nepali version is unbeatable—crispy, salty, just a little spicy, and always served piping hot. I think I’ve eaten it every other day since arriving.
Adventure Meets Chill in Pokhara
What I love most about Pokhara is how it blends thrill and tranquility. One minute you’re running off a mountain into the sky, the next you’re kayaking solo across calm waters. It’s a place that gives you space to explore your limits—and then offers the perfect plate of noodles and lakeside view to unwind afterward.
Tips for Adventure Days in Pokhara
- Paragliding: Book in the morning for better winds; take motion sickness meds if needed.
- Whitewater rafting: Bring a change of clothes—you will get soaked.
- Kayaking: Rent directly from lakeside stands; no experience needed.
- Massage & mani/pedi: Plenty of spas offer full packages for under $30 USD.
- Food: Don’t miss the chow mein—and try local momo dumplings too!
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